When Lightning Strikes

worthwhile listen !

I usually judge a listen by how long it takes me to finish it.
By that standard, this was a great book - finished it in just over 1 day, after I downloaded it.
The storyline was good and the narrator kept me interested.
It was mostly believable (it is romance after all) with good character development.
All in all - an easy listen and a pleasant surprise!

11 of 13 people found this review helpful

Just didn't feel it

Would you try another book from Brenda Novak and/or Amy Rubinate?

I'm not sure I would try either. I found the story very long and slow which I suppose some people say is more believable but I found just boring to listen to. Simon plays a self-destructive actor who has a problem turning his own life around. Enter Gail. She is a no- nonsense woman who wants to resurrect her PR business and definitely not fall in love with Simon. Overall both of these characters had their own inner turmoil to get over and obsess about...which they did repetitively. The story was good with some believable side characters. Lastly I didn't find any of the romance very...romantic. To me I found that Simon liked Gail because she helped him lead a more simple lifestyle compared to his old one in Hollywood; other than that nothing else about her really stood out as a reason he loved her.
That said, I listened to the whole thing and found myself curious as to where it would all go. Therefore I'm saying read it but don't expect fireworks.

Would you recommend When Lightning Strikes to your friends? Why or why not?

Don't think so.

What three words best describe Amy Rubinate’s voice?

I think she had a slight lisp...got a little distracted from the story trying to listen to her say words beginning with the letter 's' such as 'said'. Other than that she had good voices for the different characters and I think she did a good interpretation of Gail and Simon.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

This book has the potential to be made into a movie but hollywood would definitely alter into something more watchable and fast paced.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Pleasantly Surprised

Any additional comments?

I was not sure about this one at first but ended up enjoying it. The story is basically about a famous celebrity, Simon falls in love with a regular run of the mill person, Gail a public relations manager. At first they have somewhat of a love hate relationship where they butt heads and squabble. Then they enter into an agreement to help restore Simon's image so that he could get custody of his son. Despite all the partying, womanizing and drinking Simon is actually quite charming, friendly and fun to be around when he is away from all the distractions surrounding him like his pain in the rear end ex-wife, his obnoxious father, and greedy selfish manager. Gail on the other hand is strict and proper but despite everthing going on Gail saw past Simon's facade and believed in him when no one would. This book turned out to be an enjoyable read. I'm certainly looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

Not my cup of tea

I don't want anyone to look at this review and change their minds about buying it based on my opinion alone. This type of book is not my thing. It didn't have any suspense to hold my attention, but for the type of book it is there are a few things to recommend it. There are no childish games going on between the main characters. The characters are fine and it's believable. But I like more mystery, suspence and suprizes in my books So while I probably won't read it again it's no ones fault but my own.

5 of 8 people found this review helpful

Very enjoyable...

...I purchased on a whim and it was a worth the listen. I'll definately be keeping an eye out for other Brenda Novak contributions.

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great Book

I loved this book. I love these characters. They have to deal with a lot because they both live in the public eye. They are so different and that's what I think I like about them being a couple.
I didn't want to stop this book once I started it. I had to know what happened next. I was emotionally involved with this book.
I think the narrator did a great job!

Dull and terrible narration

Boring and predictable. Plot line was unimaginative and dull. Didn't care for narration at all.

A great start for a novel

I am greatly impressed by this start to a series.i know that Novak's works can be read and listened out of order and still deliver a cohesive story. I know this is a work of fiction but it really opens up my perception to the PR industry and media that goes into what makes a great story.

Thus story in my opinion was an easy listen with the exception of the slightly more intimate to be enjoyed in private seen(there is only one)

While the narrators voice can be a little harsh at times in terms of tone on the ears. It does not hurt the feel of the character. It actually makes this character feel quote believable as a real person.

This book steps away the typical Novak that I enjoyed in 2010-2011 with the last stand unit but it works. Does Novak still do the charity stuff at the beginning of each book still I know it might be against brilliance audio as publicist to mention it in the audio books but if love to see that mentioned in some way. It truthfully is an excellent and noble cause

Cute story, narrator too "breathy" for my taste

Any additional comments?

The story was cute, though I felt the ending was rushed. The pace of the rest of the book didn't seem to flow with the last chapter or two. Not totally unusual for this genre, I suppose. The narrator was too breathy for me, it made me feel the characters were constantly exasperated or at wits' end. I found it very distracting.

Surprisingly Good

Would you consider the audio edition of When Lightning Strikes to be better than the print version?

havent seen the printed version, but the audible was really good.

What was one of the most memorable moments of When Lightning Strikes?

the unexpectness of the events.

What about Amy Rubinate’s performance did you like?

was okay she sound older (no offense) just makes it a bit hard to get into the characters that way.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Life unexpectedly!